Almonds are one of the most common snack foods in the United
States, but what most people don’t know is that they’re also packed with tons
of healthy nutrients and benefits. This makes almonds not only tasty, but
beneficial to your health as well, making them a smart snack food choice if
you’re trying to cut calories or lose weight. Here are seven surprising health
benefits of almonds that you probably weren’t aware of.
They're a Good Source of Healthy Fats
One of the unexpected benefits almonds offer is their
heart-healthy fats. According to LiveStrong, almonds have been found to be a
good source for healthy fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
Eating a handful each day can not only help reduce your bad cholesterol levels
but also reduce your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. They're
also beneficial for our skin as almonds provide vitamin E, which aids in the
healing process and helps slow down aging on your skin by protecting it from
the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.
They Can Help Lower Your Cholesterol
Almond consumption has been shown to help lower cholesterol
levels. The unsaturated fats in almonds have also been linked to a decrease in
heart disease risk. Almonds are high in Vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that
can help protect cells from free radical damage. If you're looking for a snack
that will give you a protein boost, almonds are the perfect choice! They
contain 8 grams of protein per ounce. One last unexpected health benefit:
almond skins contain serotonin and melatonin, which may promote feelings of
calmness and relaxation!
They Can Help Control Blood Sugar Levels
Not only are almonds an excellent source of fibre and
healthy fats, but they also have a number of surprising benefits.
Almond consumption has been shown to improve blood sugar
levels in people with type 2 diabetes. In this study, participants were given
either a serving (28g) or two servings (56g) of almonds each day for six
months. The group that consumed the larger amount saw their average blood sugar
levels decrease by 20%. There's also evidence that almond consumption can help
regulate insulin levels in people without diabetes.
An additional benefit is that almonds are rich in
monounsaturated fats which have been shown to lower LDL cholesterol levels and
reduce the risk of heart disease.
They're a Good Source of Fiber
Almonds are a good source of fiber, and in particular they
contain a type called beta-glucan. This nutrient is associated with reductions
in LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) and increases in HDL cholesterol (the
good cholesterol). For example, one study showed that women who consumed 12
grams or more of this type of fiber each day had an 11% reduction in the risk
of developing heart disease compared to those who got less than 6 grams per
day. And this is just one benefit!
They're Good for Your Gut
Researchers have found that almonds are not only good for
your waistline and heart, but also great for your gut. A recent study from
University of Central Florida found that the consumption of almonds increased
the healthy bacteria in people's guts by up to 20%. This is especially
beneficial because many people are lacking in healthy gut bacteria due to a
diet consisting largely of processed foods. The best part? You can enjoy these
benefits without changing anything else about your diet!
They Can Help With Weight Loss
If you're trying to lose weight, then almonds are your best
friend. They're high in protein and make for a filling snack that will keep you
satisfied until dinner time. Plus, they have the added benefits of
mono-unsaturated fats and fiber. If that doesn't convince you, then maybe the
fact that they can lower cholesterol levels will seal the deal.
They May Help Reduce the Risk of Cancer
Almonds are a great snack for anyone who wants to improve
their diet. Not only are almonds delicious, but they also provide many benefits
that can help you stay healthy. In addition to being high in fiber and protein,
almonds have a wide variety of vitamins and minerals that can give your body
the fuel it needs. Some people may not know that there is some evidence
suggesting that almonds may help reduce the risk of cancer.
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